Student-Handbook-Spring-2019

    Ph.D in Computing   Student Handbook    Spring 2019        Welcome  Welcome to the Computing Ph.D Program The Computing Ph.D Program encompasses  expertise and research opportunities across a spectrum of computing fields under a single,  high-quality research doctorate The interdisciplinary program brings together faculty  members from the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Civil  Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Electrical and Computer Engineering,  Geosciences, Materials Science and Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical and Biomedical  Engineering, and Physics With this broad reach lies strength: faculty and students are able  to leverage a diverse and unique set of approaches, skills, and expertise that enable and  complement their research effort.    The curriculum is designed to provide students, through scholarship and research, the  computational knowledge and skills to address significant technical challenges through one  of four emphasis areas:  ● The Computational Science and Engineering emphasis​ focus on construction of  mathematical models and quantitative analysis techniques and use of computers to  analyze and solve scientific and engineering problems.  ● The Computer Science emphasis​ focuses on theory, design, development, and  application of computer and software systems, and the development of algorithms  for data search, manipulation, and analysis.  ● The Cyber Security emphasis​ focuses on protection of computers, networks,  programs, industrial control systems, and data from unintended or unauthorized  access, change, or destruction.  ● The Data Science Emphasis ​focuses on using scientific, mathematical, and statistical  methods, processes, and systems to extract knowledge or insights from data.    Information regarding the application and admissions process can be found online at  http://computing.boisestate.edu/application-requirements/​.    This  handbook  supplements  the  Graduate  Catalog,  which  details  university  resources,  regulations  and  processes  for  students  and  graduate  programs.  Together,  the  Student  Handbook  and  the  Graduate  Catalog articulate the academic life cycle - from admissions to  degree  completion.  Students  are  responsible  for  understanding  and  following  the  policies  and  procedures  outlined  in  the  Student  Handbook  and  the  Graduate  Catalog,  as well as in  the  Boise  State  University  Student Handbook, Boise State University Policy Manual, and the  Student  Code  of  Conduct.  Specific  research  group  and  research  expectations  our  further  defined by each student's major advisor.     1  Contents    Welcome 1  Contents 2  People (2018-2019) 5  Program Support 5  Major Advisor 6  Supervisory Committee 6  Before You Begin (Post-Admission Process) 7  Before you arrive on campus 7  After you arrive on campus 8  Expectations 10  Safety 10  Academic Integrity 10  Interdisciplinary Program Structure 11  Resources 12  Program Coordinator 12  Website 12  IT Support and Supplies 12  Graduate Student Association 12  Navigating Your Degree 13  Program Requirements 14  Coursework Options 14  Transfer courses Transfer Credit Procedures 14  14  Students with an MS or BS from a school other than Boise State 14  Students with an MS from Boise State 15  Students with a BS from Boise State 15  Independent Study, Directed Study and Practicum/Internship 15  College Teaching Certificate 15  Supervisory Committee 15  Comprehensive Exam 16  Dissertation Proposal 16  2  Admission to Candidacy 16  Dissertation 17  Dissertation Defense 17  Program Timeline 17  Changing Your Course of Study 22  The Unexpected 22  Graduate Assistantship 23  Assistantship Termination or Reduction 23  Vacation 23  Leave of Absence for Graduate Assistants 23  Appendix A - Degree Requirements Computational Science and Engineering Degree Requirements Computational Science and Engineering Pre-approved Elective and Domain Science Courses - By Focus Area Computer Science Degree Requirements Computer Science Pre-approved Elective Courses - By Focus Area Cyber Security Degree Requirements Cyber Security Pre-approved Elective Courses - By Focus Area Data Science Degree Requirements Data Science Pre-approved Elective and Data Science Elective Courses 24  24  24  25  25  26  26  27  27  28  29  30  30  31  32  33  33  Pre-approved Data Science Electives in Computer Science 33  Pre-approved Data Science Electives in Math 33  Additional Electives by Focus Area 33  Appendix B - Comprehensive Exam Guide for Students 34  Explanation 34  Elements 34  Procedure 34  Registration and Exam Committee 34  Emphasis Core Courses 34  Synthesis Manuscript 35  3  Computing artifact 35  Oral Presentation 36  Oral Presentation Format 36  Failure of the Comprehensive Exam 36  Comprehensive Exam Checklist 37  Semester before: 38  Beginning of semester: 38  Prior to submitting artifact and synthesis paper to committee: 38  Presentation day: 38  Dissertation Proposal Defense Guide Dissertation Proposal 39  39  Forms to Complete 39  Preparing your written proposal 39  Oral Defense Scheduling 40  Oral Defense Format 40  Failure 40  Dissertation 40  Dissertation Defense 41        4  People (2018-2019)  Program Support    Dr Jodi Mead - Co-Director  jmead@boisestate.edu  (208) 426-2432    Bio  Dr Jodi Mead is a professor in the mathematics department, and  affiliated faculty in the Center for the Geophysical Investigation of  the Shallow Subsurface at Boise State University She graduated  from Arizona State University with a Ph.D in computational  mathematics, and was a postdoctoral associate in the college of  oceanographic and atmospheric sciences at Oregon State  University She has held visiting positions in the mathematics  department at Arizona State University, the National Centre for  Groundwater Research and Training at Flinders University in  Adelaide Australia, and the computer science department at  Portland State University She was the graduate program  coordinator for the mathematics department at Boise State  University 2007-2017.    Dr Tim Andersen- Co-Director  tandersen@boisestate.edu   (208) 426-5768  Bio  Dr Tim Andersen is currently faculty in the computer science  department at Boise State University He received his Ph.D in  Computer Science in 1999 from Brigham Young University From    1999 to 2001 he worked as Chief Scientist at IArchives, developing  proprietary OCR and image processing algorithms In September  2001, Dr Andersen joined the faculty in the Computer Science  Department at Boise State.  5  Keela Cooper - Program Administrator  keelacooper@boisestate.edu  (208) 426-5767  Bio  As program administrator for the Ph.D in Computing Keela is  responsible for helping the Co-Directors with the management  and administrative aspects of the program Keela supports  students and faculty through advising, proposal and defense    support, and serves as the first point of contact for any questions  about the program Keela earned her Bachelor’s in  Communication in the summer of 2012 and has worked for Boise  State since fall of 2012.    Major Advisor  Your major advisor is your primary mentor and will be actively engaged in your academic,  research, and professional success Your major advisor provides guidance on your  dissertation topic, guides your research efforts, provides direction on your academic plan  and may provide funding support through grants or fellowships Frequent interaction  between you and your advisor is essential for you to succeed in your program of study It is  your responsibility to schedule regular meetings and communicate often with your advisor.      Supervisory Committee  Your supervisory committee is charged with the general guidance and mentorship,  including design and approval of the program of study, supervision of the dissertation  research, and participation at your final defense The supervisory committee is composed  of members of the graduate faculty who are approved by the Graduate College and are  able to contribute to your research Guidelines for the formation of your supervisory  committee are outlined under the program requirements section of this handbook.     A complete directory of faculty and staff can be found on the Ph.D in Computing website.           6  Before You Begin (Post-Admission Process)  To provide a smooth transition into the Ph.D in Computing, please take time to the  following:  Before you arrive on campus  On your own  ● My.boisestate.edu account  When your application was originally processed, you received a notification letter  from the Graduate College containing your username, student ID Number, and  Boise State email address Set up your my.boisestate account by going to  my.boisestate.edu using the login information provided in the letter.  My.boisestate.edu is your source for all of your campus information You can access  your email, calendar, course websites, student center, and much more through this  portal.  ● Email  Boise State students receive email via BroncoMail Your BroncoMail address is  typically your first and last name followed by @u.boisestate.edu As a graduate  assistant, you will also receive an employee email address Employee email  addresses are typically the employee’s first and last name followed by  @boisestate.edu Employee email accounts are immediately deactivated if your  employment is suspended (e.g., you receive a fellowship or there is any lapse in  your funding) ​Thus, we recommend that you use your BroncoMail email account as  your primary account and forward your employee email to your BroncoMail account.  You are responsible for checking both accounts.  ● Housing  Ample housing options are available near campus You can work with ​University  Housing​ for on-campus options if you apply early The Boise Chamber of Commerce  Relocation Page​ has information and resources about moving to Boise that may be  helpful If you are using Craigslist or Classified Ads, common searches for housing  near the university (less than miles away from campus) include BSU, Downtown  Boise, East End, North End, the Bench, and Southeast Boise Peruse the bulletin  boards in the Student Union Building (SUB) if you are already on campus.  With your Major Advisor and the Program Coordinator  ● Coordinate your start date with your major advisor or the Program Coordinator.  Most students will start one week before the first day of classes of the designated  semester If you and your advisor determine an earlier start date, please notify the  program coordinator as soon as possible.  ● Discuss first semester courses & register online  You should discuss your graduate course plan with your major advisor During  orientation, the week before classes program staff will discuss how to create a  7  ● course plan We typically recommend students take graded courses per semester  upon starting the program, especially if conducting research According to  Graduate College policy, domestic students with an assistantship must take at least  credits, while international students with an assistantship must take at least nine  credits.  To register for classes, use the student center on my.boisestate.edu Instructions are  found online on the r​ egistrar’s website​.    After you arrive on campus  ● ● ● Visit the Program Administrator  Keela Cooper is the Program Administrator for the Ph.D in computing.   Her office is located in Downtown Boise in the ​City Center Plaza Building​, room CCP  364A.    The Program Administrator can provide you with detailed information on room and  building access, payroll, and resources available to you Labs, workspace, and other  resources will vary based on your area of emphasis.     Complete your employment documents (for students on graduate assistantship)   Some items (Federal Form I-9, Employee Information Form) must be completed on  or before your first day of employment Other items (W-4 Tax Form, Direct Deposit,  and Compliance Certification) must be completed immediately after you begin  employment Check the B ​ oise State New Employee website​ for a complete listing of  immediate action items Please be aware that the hiring process does include a  background check.     **Note: Tax rates on paychecks will fluctuate throughout the year During the  summer (or anytime you are not enrolled as a student), taxes are withheld at a  higher percentage than during periods of student enrollment.**     Obtain your Boise State University identification, the “BroncoCard”   After completing your employment documents at Human Resources, take your  Student ID # and valid photo ID to the BroncoCard office in the Student Union  Building to obtain your BroncoCard Be sure to request a proxy BroncoCard Your  BroncoCard gives you card reader access to select laboratories and study areas You  will use your BroncoCard to access the Recreation Center, purchase meal plans, and  can also, optionally, make cashless purchases on campus with B ​ ronco Bucks​.     Find out more about obtaining your BroncoCard     ● Purchase a Parking Pass if you plan to park on campus   8  Parking on University Drive and other city-maintained streets is permitted without a  Boise State parking permit Signs posted on city-maintained streets describe any  restrictions Otherwise, parking on campus requires a Boise State parking permit.     You can purchase your parking permit​ and find out more about transportation  options online.     **Students who will work in Computer Science facilities in Downtown Boise should  review the specific ​transportation and parking options available​ for City Center  Plaza.         9  Computer Science  Pre-approved Elective Courses - By Focus Area  ● Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:    o CS 533 Introduction to Data Science  o CS 534 Data Science and Analytics  o CS 535 Data Science and Analytics  o CS 557 Artificial Intelligence  o CS 576 Social Media Mining  o CS 633 Deep Learning  ● Computer Engineering  o ECE 530 Digital Hardware Design  o ECE 533 Embedded and Portable Computing Systems  o ECE 630 Digital Systems Verification  o ECE 632 Advanced Computer Architecture  ● Databases:   o CS 510 Databases  o CS 512 Advanced Topics in Databases  ● High Performance Computing:   o CS 530 Parallel Computing  o CS 555 Distributed Systems  o CS 564 Visualization Techniques  o CS 542 Quantitative Computer Architecture  ● Human Computer Interaction:    o CS 535 Large-scale Data Analysis  o CS 538 Recommender Systems and Online Personalization  o CS 539 Social Media Mining  o CS 569 Human Computer Interaction  ● Information Retrieval:   o CS 537 Introduction to Information Retrieval  o CS 538 Recommender Systems and Online Personalization  o CS 637 Information Retrieval   ● Networking:   o CS 525 Computer Networks  o CS 622 Adv Network Security  ● Programming Language Translation:  o CS 531 Advanced Programming Languages  o CS 550 Programming Language Translation  o CS 551 Advanced Topics In Compilation  ● Quantum Computation and Communication:  o CS 541 (ECE 532) Computer Architecture  o CS 561 Theory Of Computation  27  MATH 503 Linear Algebra  o MATH 505 Abstract Algebra  o PHYS 512 Intermediate Quantum Mechanics  o PHYS 515 Solid State Physics  o ECE 651 Information and coding Theory  o ECE 652 Advanced Communications Theory  Signals/Computer Vision:   o ECE 557 Digital Image Processing  o ECE 556 Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning  o ECE 564 Robotics and Automated Systems  o ECE 650 Stochastic Signals and Systems  o ECE 657 Information and Coding Theory  Software Engineering:   o CS 572 Object-Oriented Design Patterns  o CS 573 Advanced Software Engineering  o CS 574 Advanced Software Quality  o CS 575 Software Security  o CS 577 Software Maintenance And Evolution  Systems:   o CS 525 Computer Networks  o CS 554 Advanced Operating systems  o CS 555 Distributed Systems  o CS 622 Adv Network Security  o CS 623 Cyber Physical Systems  Theory of Computation:   o CS 521 Design And Analysis Of Algorithms  o CS 561 Theory Of Computation  o ● ● ● ● 28  Cyber Security  Degree Requirements  Course Number and Title  Credits  COMPUT 601 – Introduction to Graduate Studies  1  Required Core Courses  CS 546 - Computer Security  CS 575 - Software Security ​OR​ CS - 622 Advanced Network Security  One (1) of the following:  CS 567 - Applied Cryptography  MATH 508 - Advanced Public Key Cryptology  MATH 509 - Symmetric Key Cryptology  9  Elective Courses  Must be approved by the supervisory committee and Computing Program directors.   Pre-approved electives and specific requirements are given in the ​student handbook​.     24  COMPUT 691 Doctoral Comprehensive Examination  1  COMPUT 693 Dissertation  33  Total  68      29  Cyber Security   Pre-approved Elective Courses - By Focus Area  ● Computer/Software Security:   o CS 546 Computer Security  o CS 575 Software Security  ● Cryptography and Cryptanalysis:   o MATH 505 Abstract Algebra  o MATH 507 Advanced Number Theory  o MATH 508 Advanced Public Key Cryptology  o MATH 509 Symmetric Key Cryptology  o CS 567 Applied Cryptography  o Math 585 Cryptology  o CS/MATH 667 Advances in Applied Cryptography  ● Network Security:   o CS 525 Computer Networks  o CS 622 Adv Network Security  ● Physical Systems and Infrastructure:   o CS 524 Cyber Security of Critical Infrastructures  o CS 623 Cyber Physical Systems o ECE 510 Digital Integrated Circuit Design o ECE 530 Digital Hardware Design o ECE 533 Embedded and Portable Computing Systems o ECE 554 Digital Signal Processing o ECE 557 Digital Image Processing o ECE 570 Electric Machines o ECE 631 Digital System Testing and Testable Design o ECE 636 Hardware/Software Codesign  ● Computability, Computational Complexity, and Formal Verification   o MATH 502 Logic and Set Theory  o MATH 581 Logic  o MATH 584 Computational Algebra  o MATH 585 Cryptology  ● Coding and Information Theory   o MATH 505 Abstract Algebra  o MATH 506 Advanced Algebra  o MATH 507 Advanced Number Theory  o MATH 508 Advanced Public Key Cryptology  o MATH 509 Symmetric Key Cryptology  o ECE 651 Information and Coding Theory  o ECE 652 Advanced Communications Theory  o ECE 635 System on a Programmable Chip  30  MATH 582 Topology  o MATH 584 Computational Algebra  o MATH 585 Cryptology  Quantum Computations and Post-Quantum Security   o CS 541 Computer Architecture  o CS 561 Theory of Computation  o ECE 629 Quantum Effects in MOS Devices  o MATH 503 Linear Algebra  o MATH 505 Abstract Algebra  o MATH 509 Symmetric Key Cryptology  o MATH 515 Real and Linear Analysis  o MATH 574 Linear Models  o MATH 582 Topology  o MATH 585 Cryptology  o PHYS 512 Intermediate Quantum Mechanics    o ●   31  Data Science  Degree Requirements  Course Number and Title  Credits  COMPUT 601 – Introduction to Graduate Studies  1  Required Core Courses  CS 533 – Introduction to Data Science  CS 534 – Machine Learning  MATH 562 – Probability and Statistics II  MATH 572 – Computational Statistics  12  Data Science Elective Courses  credits must be in CS and must be in MATH.  Pre-approved data science electives can be found in the ​student handbook​.   6  Additional Elective Courses  Must be approved by the supervisory committee and Computing Program directors.   Pre-approved electives and specific requirements are given in the ​student handbook​.  15  COMPUT 691 Doctoral Comprehensive Examination  1  COMPUT 693 Dissertation  33  Total  68  32  Data Science  Pre-approved Elective and Data Science Elective Courses    Pre-approved Data Science Electives in Computer  Science  ● CS 510 Databases  ● CS 535 Large-scale Data Processing and  Analysis  ● CS 536 Natural Language Processing  ● CS 573 Introduction to Information  Retrieval  ● CS 538 Recommender Systems for Online  Personalization   ● CS 539 Social Media Mining  ● CS 557 Artificial Intelligence   ● CS 633 Deep Learning  ● CS 637 Advanced Topics in Information  Retrieval  Pre-approved Data Science Electives in Math  ● MATH 503 Linear Algebra   ● MATH 515 Real and Linear Analysis   ● MATH 527 Introduction to Applied Math  for Scientists and Engineers  ● MATH 566 Numerical Methods I  Numerical Methods II   ● MATH 571 Data Analysis   ● MATH 573 Time Series Analysis   ● MATH 574 Linear Models           Additional Electives by Focus Area  ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Anthropology  o ANTH 504 Statistical Methods in  Anthropology  Biometry:   o BIOL 601 Biometry  o BIOL 603 Advanced Biometry  Ecology, Evolution and Behavior:    o EEB 607 Quantitative Methods for  Population and Habitat  o EEB 621 Advanced Ecological Data  Analysis  Econometrics:    o ECON 521 Mathematical Statistics  and Introduction to Advanced  Econometrics  o ECON 522 Advanced Econometrics  Electrical Engineering:    o ECE 556 Pattern Recognition and  Machine Learning  Geoscience:   o GEOS 505 Introduction to  Numerical Methods for the  Geosciences  o GEOS 661 Advanced Image  Processing  Geostatistics:   o GEOPH 522 Data Analysis and  Geostatistics  o GEOPH 575 Geophysical  Applications of Digital Signal  Processing  Hydrology and Hydrogeology:    o CE 630 Vadose Zone Hydrology  o CE 633 Contaminant Hydrology  Materials Science:    o MSE 563 Materials Modeling  33    Appendix B - Comprehensive Exam Guide for Students  Explanation  The purpose of the comprehensive exam is to determine the preparedness of students to  perform tasks composing the scientific research process in the field of computing This  includes having knowledge in core areas of their specific emphasis, understanding relevant  scientific literature, designing and writing software components, and presenting technical  information both orally and in writing.  Elements  The comprehensive exam comprises four elements:  Emphasis core courses​: The purpose of this requirement is for the students to  have a breadth of knowledge and practical understanding in their particular  emphasis area.  Synthesis manuscript​: The purpose of this requirement is to prepare the students  early on their scientific reading and writing abilities.  Computing artifact​: As the program grants a PhD in Computing, the purpose of  this requirement is that students who graduate from this program will be able to  make a contribution in their respective emphasis areas through computation.  Oral presentation​: This is a presentation of the content of the synthesis paper and  a formal examination on advanced knowledge necessary for the synthesis paper  and computing artifact.   Procedure  Registration and Exam Committee  Your comprehensive exam committee will be the same as your dissertation committee,  plus one external evaluator appointed by the program co-directors.     You must request a permission number from the program administrator to enroll in  COMPUT 691 Prior to requesting a permission number you must form your committee  and submit the A ​ ppointment of Supervisory Committee form.     Emphasis Core Courses  Before taking the comprehensive exam you must ​must earn a B or better​ in the courses  listed for your emphasis below These courses must be completed prior to enrolling in  COMPUT 691- Comprehensive Exam.     The courses for each emphasis area are as follows:  34    ● ● ● ● Computational Science and Engineering:    ○ MATH/CS 565 Numerical Methods I   ○ MATH/CS 566 Numerical Methods II   ○ CS 507 Computing Foundations for Computational Science   ○ COMPUT/ME 571 Parallel Scientific Computing  Computer Science:    ○ CS 521 Design and Analysis of Algorithms or CS 561 Theory of Computation  ○ CS 552 Operating Systems  ○ CS 573 Advanced Software Engineering.  Cyber Security:    ○ CS 567 Applied Cryptography or MATH 508 Advanced Public Key Cryptology  or MATH 509 Symmetric Key Cryptology  ○ CS 575 Software Security or CS 622 Advanced Network Security  ○ CS 546 Computer Security  Data Science:    ○ CS 533 Introduction to Data Science  ○ CS 534 Machine Learning  ○ MATH 562 Probability and Statistics II  ○ MATH 572 Computational Statistics      Synthesis Manuscript  The synthesis manuscript should show critical thinking about the reviewed papers and  propose several possible research questions Your advisor, with input from your exam  committee, will provide a set of at least scientific papers You should use these papers as  a starting point and perform a literature search to better cover the breadth of existing  related work.    You may receive feedback from your major advisor prior to formal submission of the  manuscript However, the synthesis should be your own work You will be asked to sign an  affirmation that confirms that the work is your own and does not reflect an act of  plagiarism The affirmation form can be found on the program website at  http://computing.boisestate.edu/academic-forms/     No specific format is required for this manuscript You should discuss format expectations  with your advisor.     Your Dissertation Proposal and Dissertation should use the template and format required  by the Graduate College, so for consistency you may wish to use this format for your  synthesis manuscript The Graduate College template and format guidelines can be found  here: h ​ ttps://graduatecollege.boisestate.edu/success/standards-and-guidelines/    35  Computing artifact   The computing artifact element of the comprehensive exam can be a separate project or  an extended class project The artifact will contain program(s) and output that must be well  tested and documented Your examination committee should determine the minimum  requirements for the artifact and notify you of these evaluation criteria within one month  of accepting to serve on the committee.    Oral Presentation  The Oral Presentation should be scheduled for two weeks after you submit your synthesis  paper and computing artifact for review by your committee If your full committee is not  available within two weeks, schedule for the next earliest date.     ​It is your responsibility to schedule the presentation date with your committee  members and reserve a room Presentations must be scheduled to occur at least 1  week prior to when grades are entered.     Print a copy of the Comprehensive Exam Approval Form and take it with you The form can  be found on the program website at h ​ ttp://computing.boisestate.edu/academic-forms/     Oral Presentation Format  The format of the oral examination consists of a 30-minute public presentation of your  synthesis paper and computing artifact, including a public question and answer session.      The public question and answer session will be followed by a closed-door period of  questioning by the examination committee based on content in the synthesis paper and  computing artifact Only the committee members may attend the closed-door session.     After the examination, you will be asked to leave, and your committee will discuss and vote  on your performance on the synthesis paper, computing artifact, and oral presentation.      Your committee will complete the Comprehensive Exam Approval Form and present it to  you for review and your signature Please return the completed form to the Program  Coordinator.   Failure of the Comprehensive Exam  Per the graduate student catalog, students that fail their first attempt at any element of the  comprehensive exam may be granted a second attempt of that element Students who fail  any portion of the comprehensive exam must submit the Report of Failure of  Comprehensive Examination form - found on the Graduate College website:  https://graduatecollege.boisestate.edu/forms/​ within working days of being notified of  their failure.    36  If retaking any portion of the exam students must submit the Request to Retake the  Comprehensive Exam form, found on the program website  http://computing.boisestate.edu/academic-forms/​ within working days of being notified  of their failure.    Requests to retake the comprehensive exam must be submitted by the student in  writing to the PhD in Computing steering committee and must be made within 5  business days of being notified of his or her failure of the exam.    If the request to retake is approved, then the second attempt of the failed elements of the  exam must be submitted before the end of the following semester, not including summer,  after receiving the exam results.     If the student does not submit a second attempt prior to the end of the semester following  the initial failure, or if the student fails the second attempt, then a grade of (F) is assigned  to COMPUT 691, and the student will be dismissed from the university by the Graduate  College Any extension of the time limit on the second attempt must be approved by the  Program Directors and by the Dean of the Graduate College.        37  Comprehensive Exam Checklist  Semester before:  ❏ Meet with advisor and confirm that all course requirements will be met before  enrolling in COMPUT 691.  ❏ Work with advisor to select members of supervisory committee.  ❏ Submit the A ​ ppointment of Supervisory Committee form.   ❏ Request a permission number from the Program Administrator and enroll in  COMPUT 691.  Beginning of semester:  ❏ Meet with advisor and supervisory committee, we suggest you put all agreed upon  expectations in writing and save a copy:  ❏ Set deadline for when seed papers will be given to the student.  ❏ Agree upon expectations for the computing artifact.   ❏ Agree upon expectations for the synthesis paper.  ❏ Agree upon expectations for the oral presentation.  ❏ Agree upon the amount of feedback the student can expect from their  advisor and committee.    ❏ Set due date for submission of computing artifact and synthesis manuscript.  ❏ Schedule the oral presentation Reserve a room with the Program  Administrator (At least week before grades are due)  Prior to submitting artifact and synthesis paper to committee:  ❏ Complete the ​Affirmation of Original Work​ and submit it to the Program  Administrator.   Presentation day:  ❏ Print the ​Comprehensive Exam Approval ​ form and take it with you to your  presentation.  ❏ After your presentation return the Comprehensive Exam Approval form to the  Program Administrator.  ❏ Email a digital copy of your synthesis manuscript to the Program Administrator.     38  Appendix C - Dissertation Proposal Defense Guide  Dissertation Proposal  The dissertation proposal is normally completed within one year of completing the  comprehensive exam and approved by your supervisory committee at least one year prior  to the dissertation defense It is a comprehensive statement about proposed research that  will contribute to the knowledge base of your focus area in the Computing program.  Normally one-third of the research has already been completed.    Forms to Complete  ● Prior to your proposal (and before the comprehensive exam)​ complete or  update the ​Appointment of Supervisory Committee Form​ (if not done prior to  comprehensive exam).    ● The day of your defense:​ print the ​Proposal Acceptance Form​ and take it with you.     ● After your defense:​ After successfully proposing your dissertation you may work  with your advisor to complete the A ​ plication for Admission to Candidacy​.      Preparing your written proposal  Boise State dissertation templates may be used for formatting the proposal:   https://graduatecollege.boisestate.edu/success/standards-and-guidelines/​.    The proposal should be clear, concise, compelling and a maximum of 15 single-spaced  pages excluding references At a minimum the proposal should include:  ○ Title   ○ A concise statement of purpose/research objective (similar to an abstract)  ○ A literature review   ○ Motivation and expected contributions  ○ Preliminary results  ○ The scope and overall framework or methodology in which the research will  be pursued and interpreted, including metrics you will use to evaluate the  success of your work  ○ A proposed timeline to complete publications and dissertation chapters  ○ Bibliographic references    Oral Defense Scheduling  ● With the permission of your advisor, schedule the time and date of your proposal  defense with your committee members S ​ chedule for at least hours.  39  ● ● ● Once you’ve determined a time, contact the program administrator to reserve a  room.   ○ Once complete, please include a short abstract from your proposal.  Proposals are open to the public and an email notice will be sent to current  computing students and faculty.  The final draft of the proposal must be approved by the dissertation advisor  before submitting it to the supervisory committee at​ ​least​ ​two weeks​ before you  plan to present your oral defense (You may need to make changes.)   Within one week of receiving your written proposal your supervisory committee will  contact you and your advisor and either:  ○ Request that you make changes, resubmit and possibly reschedule your oral  defense.  ○ Give their approval to proceed with the scheduled oral defense.    After the proposal defense the supervisory committee will determine if the  proposed research constitutes doctoral research They will also make suggestions  regarding additional background that should be considered and how the research  problem or methods should be modified.    Oral Defense Format  The proposal defense consists of a 45-minute public presentation of your dissertation  proposal, including a public question and answer session, followed by a closed-door period  of questioning by your supervisory committee.     The supervisory committee will conduct a closed-door oral examination based on the  proposal and on relevant background from your program of study ​Only the committee  members may attend the closed-door session.     After the examination, you will be asked to leave, and the committee will discuss and vote  on your performance in the oral examination Majority approval of the supervisory  committee is required to pass the defense.     Failure  If a student fails the proposal defense, he or she may be allowed to reinitiate the  dissertation proposal o ​ nce​ with the approval of the supervisory committee Students who  fail a second time or not receive approval to re-submit the proposal will be  administratively withdrawn from the program.        ● 40  Dissertation  The dissertation must be the result of independent and original research and must  constitute a significant contribution to the knowledge base of the focus area, equivalent to  multiple peer-reviewed publications The style and format of the dissertation are to  conform to the standards of the Graduate College​ Dissertation Defense  A public defense of the dissertation is scheduled after the supervisory committee has  reviewed a draft that is considered to be a nearly final version The date of the defense is  determined jointly by the supervisory committee and the student and must be consistent  with any guidelines provided by the Graduate College The first part of the defense will be  a public oral presentation of the dissertation The second part will be an oral exam  administered by the supervisory committee who will decide whether the student passes or  fails the defense A student who fails the defense may be permitted to try again but failure  a second time will result in dismissal from the PhD program.    If the defense is completed with a result of pass, the supervisory committee prepares a  statement describing final requirements such as additions or modifications to the  dissertation and any additional requirements such as archival of data When these  requirements have been met to the satisfaction of the supervisory committee, the approval  page of the dissertation is signed by the members of the committee.          41